Huckleberries Best of the Northwest -- 9/8/05

WSU Head Coach Bill Doba whips off his head set in anger as he tries to inspire his Cougs on to victory. Find out why he was somewhat happier yesterday during practice by reading the roundup section below.

Top Story: A Gig Harbor, Wash., man who lost three limbs in a DUI accident is wondering today how low people can go after someone stole his specialized bike. The theft occurred while Bob Mortimer was in Spokane for a motivational speech about the dangers of drinking and driving. And a ride with his family along the new Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes in nearby North Idaho, according to Christopher Rodkey/Spokesman-Review, here.

2. Washington lawmakers are pushing to suspend their state's 31-cent gas tax in order to save drivers millions, according to Richard Roesler/Spokesman-Review here.

3. After years of legal wrangling and more than $3 million set aside to run it, Washington's first facility aimed at reintroducing sexually violent predators to society stands vacant, according to Claudia Rowe/PI, here.

4. An ornery associate prof who couldn't get along with colleagues is believed to be the first tenured prof to be fired in Whitworth College's 115-year history here.

5. Editor Chris Peterson of the Hungry Horse News (Columbia Falls, Mont.) describes what it's like to get up close and personal with a (drum roll, puh-LEEZ) -- skunk here.